Jonah: Sovereignty in Action

 

Over the last few weeks our church has been involved in a study of the book of Jonah.  It’s been an awesome study, from an awesome book.  To see God’s mercy and grace demonstrated to unworthy sinners like Jonah, and the people of Nineveh is amazing. This truth should point us straight to the cross where God’s mercy and grace are ultimately given and shown in and through Jesus Christ. 

With that said, over the next little while I would like to do some short posts on some themes we have discussed, or at least that I’ve seen as prevalent in the book of Jonah.

 

First: God’s Sovereignty.

 

We see God’s Sovereignty in action:

  • In the way He gives commands (1:2,3:2)
  • In His Control of the weather (1:4)
  • In His control over the lot cast (1:7, see Prov.16:33)
  • In His control over the Sea (1:11;15)
  • In His appointment of the great fish (1:17)
  • In His speaking to the fish to vomit out Jonah (2:10)
  • In His mercy and grace shown (3:10)
  • In His appointment of the plant to cover Jonah (4:6)
  • In His appointment of the worm to attack plant (4:7)
  • In His appointment of the east wind (4:8)

So in the book of Jonah we see the living God who is in control of the weather, the lot, the sea, the great fish, grace and mercy, plant life, worm life, and the winds!  What an awesome God we serve!  My only response is to bow to the King of kings, and Lord of lords in humble adoration!

 

 

Peace,

Nate

Posted by nateoliver on July 28, 2007 at 2:49 am
Filed under: Jonah, Old Testament, The Word  |  Leave a comment  |  Trackback URI

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20 Comments

  1. 1
    Gayla Says:

    Hi Nate,

    I just wanted to pop in and thank you for visiting my blog. I’m looking forward to my next MR magazine. Meaty stuff!

    I loved coming in here for the first time and seeing this post. What a wonderful to recognize God’s sovereignty over all things. Indeed, it should drives us to our knees in gratitude, and as you said, humble adoration!

    Great post!

  2. 2
    Gojira Says:

    Hey Nate,

    This is a great opening post to what looks like is going to be an excellent series! I am gonna have to link to it!

  3. 3
    Nate Says:

    Thanks for stopping by fellas!

  4. 4
    Bobby Grow Says:

    Awesome Nate.

    I actually taught the book of Jonah, for a Bible Study Methods class, at Multnomah Bible College. We used Jonah, because it is an excellent example of narrative, with Hebrew Poetry embedded (chpt. 2). We spent a whole semester in this little book . . . God’s Word is inexhaustable–I wish I was ;) . Anyway look forward to more posts on this!

    I wonder if Gayla is actually a “fella” ;) :) . . . probably not!

    shalom.

  5. 5
    Bobby Grow Says:

    Nate,

    would you characterize yourself as a Calvinist now-a-days? Just curious? I do realize that you can talk about the sovereignty of God, and not be a Calvinist . . . but I’m a curious kind’ve of fella ;) .

  6. 6
    Nate Says:

    Sorry Gayla!

  7. 7
    Nate Says:

    Bobby,

    I would not charecterize myself as a Calvinist. With that said, I do find myself having a lot in common though.

    I look forward to some of your thoughts on Jonah!

  8. 8
    Gayla Says:

    No problem! :)

  9. 9
    Nate Says:

    I was wondering why your blog looked so “girly”…..I just figured you were a music minister or something! haha

  10. 10
    bobby grow Says:

    Oh I see why you thought Gayla was a guy . . . her avatar ;) .

  11. 11
    Antonio da Rosa Says:

    Hey Nate,

    do you see the book of Jonah as an Old Testament story about evangelism? Do you see the people in Ninevah becoming regenerate?

    Antonio

  12. 12
    Antonio da Rosa Says:

    Hey Nate, what is the “alot” that you have in common with Calvinism, I am wondering. Could you give us a few examples?

    Antonio

  13. 13
    Rose~ Says:

    Great thoughts, Nate. I see God’s sovereignty like that. This blog looks really great.

  14. 14
    Nate Says:

    Thanks Rose.

  15. 15
    HoodRat Says:

    Hey,Nate! Wassup Dogg? I believe that you have started off with a bang! It seems as though we cannot escape the fact of God’s awesome control and rule of His universe.
    There are those who would want to view this book as allegorical, but we believe this to be historical narrative. One of the most striking themes in the book is God’s mercy and compassion for His creatures. The God of the Bible is like no other (Isa 44:6,8). He wants to be known and worshiped. He alone is worthy of all praise.

    Until next time Nate, keep on blogging for His glory!
    p.s. Give a shoutout to mom and pop for me, thanks.

  16. 16
    Nate Says:

    Dave,

    Thanks dogg! And I like the name, HoodRat!

    The Gala was awesome, I’ve been laughing at Gene’s pictures of you and I up front, good stuff.

    Peace

  17. 17
    Antonio da Rosa Says:

    Hey Nate,

    you got me on iggy?

  18. 18
    Antonio da Rosa Says:

    I guess you are just going to ignore me.

    Suit yourself, Nate.

  19. 19
    Nate Says:

    Hey Antoniono,

    I’m not ignoring you, I’ve just been busy and not able to get into an extended discussion on here.

  20. 20
    HoodRat Says:

    Wat up Natester? What’s good G? God is good! How are the classes coming at Neast? Everone here is good and by His grace it looks like we will be starting up the nouthetic counseling institute extension here at FBC. We have at least 16-18 enrolling as we speak. Soli Deo Gloria!
    Holler back dog! My love to your family and all @ NBSC. Later.


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